The last time I visited my friend Melissa was in 2000 I believe. I was still a corporate gal at that time, wasn’t yet a step mother, and am not even sure if I was coloring my roots back then.
Melissa is one of my cherished and dearest friends. We text daily, and we make an effort to connect in person whenever she gets up to Connecticut, once or twice a year.
This past weekend I flew to Raleigh to spend the weekend with her. It was wonderful to spend so much time together. That’s a pic of us at a fabulous charity DIVAS event to support the Raleigh Little Theater. So much fun!
The following day she hosted a group of her friends for an Essential Oils Workshop which I led. This was a great way to combine business and pleasure (and write off the plane ticket :)).
Why did it take so long to get my butt down there? Why did I wait until I could could combine the trip with business? Busy lives? Perhaps.
Why I am even sharing this? Two reasons…
1. MAKE time for your highest priorities. Friends are definitely one of my top values, so rather than say I’m too busy to visit, I want my actions to be in alignment with my priorities. That’s why during one of our daily text exchanges, I said “It’s been way to long! Why don’t I come down with some oils and let’s play!”
What’s important to you? Do your actions and decisions reflect that?
2. Design a life that suits and supports your priorities. I’m creating success on my terms (#successonmyterms). I had a business for years that did not allow for a lot of flexibility. While I loved it, It was a challenge to travel or take time off. Evenings and Saturdays were also devoted to the business.
I decided to create a business that allows me to visit friends, to travel, AND to share the message of empowering people toward better health. That’s why I jumped on Jet Blue and spent the weekend fostering our very special friendship. Even visited Duck Donuts for a made-to-order donut. YUM!
All I can say for sure, is that it won’t be another sixteen years until I return to Raleigh (or have a donut!).